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Why is my dog's belly gurgling with vomiting, diarrhea, and pacing?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 70 lbs

My black lab/German Shepherd mix has been having belly issues. His belly makes loud gurgling noises and he’s puking and has diarrhea. He won’t sit still and he keeps walking around stretching his back legs however when I rub his back legs/hips it doesn’t hurt him. I did it to just check and see if that was the problem

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 2nd, 2018

I'm sorry to hear about Shadow! The stretching and pacing is a sign of abdominal pain. This could be something as simple as gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) caused by eating something naughty. This may be especially true if he only vomited a few times and has since stopped. However, this could also be something very serious such as pancreatitis or an intestinal blockage (especially worrisome if he is known to eat toys, socks, rocks, or other non-food items). If he is not fully vaccinated, parvovirus is also a life-threatening possibility. Because of these possibilities, I strongly recommend you see your vet. This is especially true if the vomiting has lasted for more than a few hours or is very frequent. I hope this helps! Best of luck to you and Shadow!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 17th, 2018

    Depends on your pets age, sex and if he/she is neutered/spayed, etc. We don't have much to go on here, but if your pet is vomiting and has bloody stool as is not fully vaccinated, then he/she could have parvovirus infection. This is a very contagous and deadly virus that is picked up from the soil where another pet has defecated the virus out on. I would highly recommend taking your pet to the vet for a parvo test if this is the case.
    If your pet is fully vaccinated, then this could be due to something he/she ate or even pancreatitis is a possibility. I would take him/her to your vet for an exam, pancreatitis test, and/or x-rays of his/her belly to look for a foreign body. All of these conditions are treatable if caught early, but parvovirus carries a 80% survival rate or more when the pet is hospitalized but only around a 40% chance of survival when the pet is treated outpatient (at home medicine).
    I hope that your pet feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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